The Majority Report 09/14/20 - Expanded job training, the need to fill out the census and funding for the opioid crisis

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, September 14, 2020 02:01 PM

Stadelman joined by governor, local leaders to announce job training program funding

ROCKFORD — With Illinois continuing to face an unprecedented public health emergency as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was joined by Governor JB Pritzker, Rockford Mayor Thomas McNamara and Dr. Lisa M. Bly-Jones, executive director of Workforce Connection last week to discuss investments to expand job opportunities in the City of Rockford.

"The coronavirus pandemic is disrupting jobs and changing the skills employees need to do them,” Stadelman said. “To meet this challenge, state government and its partners need to step up to help ensure workers are equipped with the skills critical to our economic recovery.”

Villivalam: Completing the census crucial for Illinois' fastest growing demographic

CHICAGO — State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is strongly encouraging all Asian Americans to fill out the census before the deadline closes.

“We need to ensure Asian Americans have access to all of the same state services as other Illinois residents,” said Villivalam, the first Asian American elected to the Illinois Senate and co-chair of the Illinois General Assembly’s Asian American Caucus. “I represent one of the most culturally diverse districts in the state. I am extremely grateful for the numerous contributions our Asian American neighbors, friends and family have brought to our community — everything from cultural to the culinary traditions.”

Bush: $36 million to tackle opioid crisis is a great step, but more work needs to be done

GRAYSLAKE — As a steadfast advocate for addressing the state’s growing opioid crisis and creator of the Prescription Drug Task Force, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is pleased to learn the state has been given $36 million to continue to fight the epidemic.

“The opioid epidemic is a serious and complicated issue that only continues to get worse,” Bush said. “These funds are a great step toward fighting the crisis, but there’s so much more work that needs to be done."

September is National Preparedness Month

Whether it be fire, floods or severe weather conditions, make sure you have a plan of action in your home, business, school and community for when natural or man-made disasters strike.

The initiative aims to encourage individuals to take important steps like getting an emergency supply kit (including water, food, and medical necessities), making a family emergency plan, being informed about the different emergencies that may affect them, as well as taking the necessary steps to get trained and become engaged in community preparedness and response efforts.

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